What does 2 Chronicles 28:20 mean?
"And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not." - 2 Chronicles 28:20
2 Chronicles 28:20 (KJV) reads, "And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."
This verse comes from the Old Testament and is part of the historical narrative of the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, we must first examine the context in which it is situated.
King Ahaz was a wicked king who reigned in Judah for sixteen years. He did not follow the ways of the Lord and led the people into idolatry and wicked practices. As a result, the kingdom of Judah was in a state of turmoil and faced many external threats. One of these threats came from the king of Assyria, Tilgathpilneser, who came against Ahaz and his kingdom. As we read in 2 Chronicles 28:20, Tilgathpilneser "distressed" Ahaz but did not "strengthen him."
In this verse, we see the consequence of Ahaz's disobedience to God. Despite facing a formidable enemy, Ahaz did not receive the help or support that he needed. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of walking in obedience to God's commands and seeking His favor.
The theme of obedience and disobedience to God is central to this verse. Throughout the Bible, we see that God blesses those who are obedient to Him and follow His ways, and He disciplines those who are disobedient. King Ahaz's disobedience led to the distress and lack of strength that he experienced when facing the king of Assyria.
Another important theme in this verse is the sovereignty of God. While Ahaz may have been facing an enemy, ultimately, it was God who allowed this distress to come upon him. The verse does not say that Tilgathpilneser came to distress Ahaz on his own accord, but rather that he came to Ahaz "by the hand of God" (2 Chronicles 28:20, KJV). This is a reminder that nothing happens outside of God's control, and He can use even our enemies to accomplish His purposes.
The symbolic significance of this verse can also be explored. The king of Assyria can be seen as a symbol of the consequences of disobedience. Just as Ahaz faced distress at the hands of the king of Assyria, so too do we face distress when we turn away from God. Additionally, the lack of strengthening from the king of Assyria serves as a reminder that true strength and security can only come from God. When we rely on our own devices or turn to worldly powers for help, we will ultimately be disappointed.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 28:20 (KJV) holds deep meaning and significance within the larger narrative of King Ahaz's reign. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience, the sovereignty of God, and the ultimate source of strength and security. As we reflect on this verse, may we be encouraged to walk in obedience to God and trust in His provision and protection.
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2 Chronicles 28:20 Artwork
2 Chronicles 28:20 - "And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."
"And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not." - 2 Chronicles 28:20
2 Chronicles 20:28
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
"And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD." - 2 Chronicles 20:28
2 Chronicles 28:3
2 Chronicles 28:2 - "For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim."
2 Chronicles 20:37
2 Chronicles 11:20
2 Chronicles 20:21
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Chronicles 9:28 - "And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands."
1 Chronicles 2:28 - "And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur."
2 Chronicles 28:17 - "For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives."
2 Chronicles 30:20 - "And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."
2 Chronicles 28:14 - "So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation."
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Chronicles 25:28 - "And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah."
1 Chronicles 2:20 - "And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel."
2 Chronicles 28:22 - "¶ And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz."
2 Chronicles 28:4 - "He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 23:28 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."
2 Chronicles 29:28 - "And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished."
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
2 Chronicles 28:7 - "And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king."
2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 20:5 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,"